Business Notes

Buffalo Wings & Beer of Gaithersburg, with several locations in Maryland, was named the top restaurant for buffalo-style wings in the 2009 America's Favorite Wings competition sponsored by MJGuides of De Pere, Wis.

"It was an incredible feeling to be voted No. 1 across the whole United States," said Buffalo Wings & Beer founder and owner Ira Levy.

More than 1,000 nominations were received for a total of 356 restaurants in 30 states. More than 12,000 votes were cast online. Buffalo Wings and Beer won with more than 4,000 votes.

SBA loans available

following wet spring

A wet spring in Maryland has prompted the U.S. Small Business Administration to make available economic injury disaster loans to small businesses, small agricultural co-ops and most private nonprofits. Farmers and ranchers are not eligible.

A rainy May and June resulted in the production of vomitoxin, a toxin in grains that may result from scab, which is caused by a fungus. Vomitoxin can affect flavors in foods and baking quality, according to information from North Dakota State University, and both humans and animals can get sick from it, depending on levels consumed.

The 30-year, 4 percent loans, up to $2 million each, are available in most of the state, except the Southern Maryland counties of Calvert, Charles and St. Mary's; Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties on the Eastern Shore; and Garrett County in Western Maryland.